Instead of sitting and worrying, Liora, mother of two soldiers, enlisted in the reserves

"Age and gender are not a barrier when it comes to loving the country and contributing to the country" • Liora Lubovitz Batan from Haifa serves in the reserves as a combat supporter

(haipo) - Liora Lubovitz Batan, 45, mother of three - two of whom are serving in my army. This does not prevent her from doing what not many of her age do - full and continuous reserve service, and being a significant and inseparable part of the national effort.

For a year and two months now, she has been serving in logistics positions and as a combat supporter in the northern sector, dealing with the day-to-day challenges that accompany the security situation. Along with the difficulties and challenges, she testifies, she finds enormous satisfaction and tremendous meaning in working for the soldiers.

She is divorced, her eldest son, 21 years old, serves as a permanent officer. Her 19-year-old daughter serves as a fighter in the "Panther" battalion of the Border Guard Corps, and the 16-year-old, an XNUMXth grade student. She herself has been volunteering in the reserve service for over a year and proves that age and gender do not have to be a barrier when it comes to loving the country and contributing to the country.

In an interview withhaipo Liora tells about the brave decision she made in light of the complex times: "In the past year, our lives have all been turned upside down. We never imagined that something like this could happen, and for a year each of us has been dealing with pain and concerns, both on a public and personal level. With two of my three children in the army, and the loss of livelihood , worry became an integral part of my daily life. I felt that I had to occupy myself, do something practical, instead of sitting and worrying. Volunteering allows me Focus on doing and not on fear."

"I slept in the car for 4 months"

Her older son and her mother expressed opposition to her desire to enlist in the reserves, but she did not give in to their pressure. "I believe that everyone should contribute in their own way and the army is the place where I can do that," she says. Initially, Liora planned to volunteer only for a short period, out of a desire to contribute to the country in a time of crisis, but over time this became her life's mission.

"I thought it would be temporary, until the state and the small businesses - those who are first affected, including my business, recover," she says. "But as time went by, I found myself moving from unit to unit, from a clerk at the ranges, after almost 30 years, to my role as a combat supporter."

Liora describes her transition to a combat support role as one of the most significant experiences in her life. "At first it was a shock," she says, "I received a weapon even before they handed me a uniform. I slept in the car for four months, because it felt more like home to me compared to the communal tents," she says.

"When you're here, it's like my mother is here"

Her daily work is focused on meeting the needs of the soldiers, from hot meals to warm clothing for the cold nights. "When the soldiers tell me, 'When you're here, we feel like our mother is here,' it fills me up. I take care of other people's children and it gives me a sense of satisfaction like no other."

Liora tells about unforgettable experiences, such as staying in the homes of residents who were evacuated. "It was difficult to sleep there - the houses looked as if the people had been sucked out of them, with the couple's slippers next to the bed, the dishes left in the sink... It felt like invading people's privacy, even though they gave their permission."

the little things

With all the challenges, she keeps on doing. "I believe that a soldier who is good for himself will fight better. It starts with the little things - a cup of coffee just the way he likes it, a warm jacket, or a treat, a pastry and crackers in the middle of the night. I do it with all my heart."

"I meet amazing people"

Alongside her contribution in the army, Liora also faces challenges in her personal life. She returned to live in Haifa, the city of her childhood, to be closer to her mother, after 20 years of living in Karmiel since she got married. But the reality of the last year did not leave her time to enjoy the transition. She had a small business that was damaged by the war, like many small businesses, and she lost her livelihood.

She also talks about the gap between the young people she meets in the reserves and her peers. "They are all much younger than me, but I find that my age is actually an advantage. I bring experience and different insights, and I am amazed every time again by the human quality of the people I meet."

"Reminds how fragile life is"

"This period is a special opportunity to re-experience the value of family and community," she says. "When we get together - even for a moment - it becomes so special! After months where we hardly had the chance to celebrate a family Shabbat together, it reminds me how fragile life is and how much it is not taken for granted."

"It will happen, even if it takes time"

Regarding the future, she says: "We won't win this war anymore, because there are many dead and so many wounded and so many kidnapped people who have not yet returned to their homes, but to restore security to the south, the north and the whole country - it will happen, even if it takes time ."

In touching words, she concludes: "We are a strong company, with wonderful people. If everyone does the little they can, I'm sure it will be good."